Former captain Shahid Afridi opened up following India’s seven-wicket win against Pakistan in the 12th match of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Saturday.
The Green Shirts lost for the eighth time in the history of the World Cup against India and the subpar performances of many key players have now become a matter of concern among fans, as well as ex and current cricketers.
Afridi, 46, believed that winning and losing is a part of the game but the way Pakistan lost, without putting up a fight, was disappointing.
“We always talk about winning and losing, but a loss like this is just difficult to take. At least fight back, when you are putting up a great fight and you lose, then you say that the team at least gave their all but it wasn’t their day,” Afridi said while talking in a local sports show.
“When there are expectations [from fans] and no effort is done by the team and the players, considering that everyone is hoping that they will do well, then you get hurt by it.
“There is always hype and hope for the World Cup because it comes once every four years, teams prepare for four years, create combinations so the excitement is at an all high, and when a team loses like this [the way Pak lost against India], it hurts.”
Afridi was further asked if this current team lacks experience which he denied saying that this team has everything to do well.
“If you want to find excuses, then there will be many. All of these players have been playing cricket continuously, everyone knows that there is pressure of expectations in international cricket, but you are asked to deliver.
“I will keep supporting this team because they have everything. They possess all kinds of skills, they just need a bit of awareness because they are coached by a foreign coach, he thinks differently, he believes in positive, attacking cricket, he doesn’t want you to play many dot balls. When you are playing dot balls, you are building pressure not only on yourselves but also on the upcoming batters.
“You will have to play ball-to-ball, attacking cricket. Attacking cricket doesn’t always mean that you’ve to play big shots, just keep on rotating strike. If you are playing at 40 runs, then play a big innings, and prove that you are an impact player."
- Shahid Afridi
